iWorld
Reliance broadcast network limited on boards Abraham Thomas as company ceo
MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, one of India's largest network has appointed Abraham Thomas as its Chief Executive Officer. As BIG FM looks at charting newer benchmarks with technology-led propositions, platform-agnostic content, incubating audio and video talent, branded content and original music led spikes on digital, the appointment of Abraham Thomas with his complementing ideologies will trigger a swift phase of growth. The industry veteran will leverage his deep insights into the multi-media platforms to drive and sustain the network's vision of being a leading platform-agnostic radio player.
Abraham Thomas comes with more than two decades of experience and has a proven track record of propelling businesses across print, radio, TV and digital to newer heights in India, China and South Asia. Under his leadership, he has built robust organisations and added volume to the business inventories through high performing teams. A multi-faceted media professional turned entrepreneur with One Network Entertainment, he has previously worked with Radio City, RED FM, Indian Express, Sony, Astro Broadcast and MTV.
He has always been extremely passionate about innovation in the audio entertainment space through various means such as content marketing, newer music formats and multi-platform approach.
At BIG FM, he will take forward the mantle of driving meaningful partnerships, enhancing multi-platform reach, brand integrations, developing original content and music led programming and digital campaigns. As a media brand specialist, his association will strengthen the network's core functionality and leadership team with strategic alignment of goals across verticals.
Speaking about his role at BIG FM, Abraham Thomas said, "Audio entertainment is ever evolving and players are bringing formats that are new and engaging to drive listenership and enhance advertiser relationships. BIG FM's programmatic and tech-driven developments paired with content marketing offerings by BIG Thwink, support the objective of pushing more original content and innovative brand integrated campaigns across platforms. In an evolving era where audiences are consuming audio content across multiple platforms, I am excited to join this evolving business and be a part of the successful transformation and growth that lies ahead.
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
